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Post by MarkD on May 17, 2009 18:21:55 GMT -5
Wow... what a fantastic day for a race. I thought the event was very well done this year - I'd love to hear what you all thought - especially those who've done it in the recent past. The race direction/staff seem to be focusing on the runner more, which is a good thing, and making the experience similar to other good races (Akron / Cincy / etc). I did the Half and actually enjoyed this race today better than the Vegas Half for the overall experience. Nothing tops the first 4 miles of Vegas (running down the strip), but the rest of that race is kinda blah (no fans on the course, runnin' through crappy streets). The Cleveland Half had spectators on the course just about the entire race (until you hit the shoreway). Very cool. Very motivating. Had a good time seeing everyone. Special thanks to Alison, Steve, Janet, and Joe for coming down and manning the CTC post even though you weren't racing. And, especially to Walsh, who fed us PBR as a proper recovery drink !! For my race, I'll sum it up this way... steady improvement. I've done 3 stand-alone (non-tri) half mary's to date. My first, I lost my legs at about mile 8. My second, I lost 'em about mile 10. I didn't lose 'em today until mile 12.5. I really enjoyed being able to run strong through the tough wind from mile 10.5 to 12. Let's hear your stories.... Ready.... GO.
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Post by Aussie Rob on May 17, 2009 18:55:14 GMT -5
My legs hurt, but i feel like i ran well. The end.
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Post by jen on May 17, 2009 19:05:19 GMT -5
I thought the race went well. I have done it the past 2 years and didn't have too many major issues with it then but it did seem more improved this year. The finish near the "mall" area was really nice for people to congregate in. I'll second Mark's sentiments thanking those who came out on an early, brisk morning even though they weren't racing.
Personally, I was slightly disappointed at first with my time. Having had a goal of trying to keep about 715 pace and hit 1:35 or just under and thought I had done about 1:36:40 but then checked later online for a time of 1:35:43 so I'm not sure what that's about but have to say I should be pleased. Ran well till about mile 8 and then fell apart a bit, especially the couple miles heading up the incline of the shoreway into the wind. That was tough! But then coming back down into downtown there were quite a few fans for the last mile where I really picked it up and it felt easy. It was a PR, but like many of us I'm evaluating what I could've done better and ways to improve!
I think the best part though was knowing the CTC people and being able to chat with them afterwards and grab some food at the Winking Lizard. In the past, I didn't know too many people so I'd go race, and then go home. So I have to say I've really enjoyed getting to know the "CTC peeps" (as I frequently call you on my facebook posts) and I feel it's help enhanced, not only my performance in picking all your brains and training with you, but just my overall experience and a feeling of comraderie. So, thank you!!!
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Post by MarkD on May 18, 2009 7:26:41 GMT -5
What Aussie failed to mention is that he swallowed at button just before the race. Everything come out O.K. ?? Jen, Steve, and I went back down to the race to watch some of the 6+ hour marathoners come in. It was rather inspiring to see folks cross who have been out there for SOOOO long and seeing the relief on their faces when they finished (and seeing their families/friends root them on). Good stuff. One more thing... A.J. was 5th overall in the half. Nice work, dude. Your ROCK !
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Post by Aussie Rob on May 18, 2009 7:48:31 GMT -5
Still havent passed it. It might be a permanent memento
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Post by elizabeth on May 18, 2009 9:21:09 GMT -5
I agree with Durno that the half was much better this year and that the race did a good job with it. Now the back half of the marathon course was another story. They have got to do something about traffic control issues and have better closer spaced aid stations for the marathoners. It was probably fine for the faster runners, but for those going 4+ hours out there the aid was a bit on the minimal side, and the intersections were downright dangerous in places.
I personally had an awesome day. Just started working with a coach and instructions were to run with the 3 hour group or under for the first 10 miles then hold or back off depending on how I felt, AKA, don't race just run the pace. The no pressure approach worked well for me and I came away with a new half PR at 1:27:52 and a 2nd place finish.
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Post by rickstark on May 18, 2009 9:42:39 GMT -5
I did the half, and was very pleased with the organization and the course. It was impossible to get lost on the half course, and the aid stations were well placed. This was my first race back after hip and jaw surgery, and I was glad to have started back with this event. The weather was fantastic, and I ran the race I wanted to run.
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Post by jimdehner on May 18, 2009 9:50:59 GMT -5
Great run Elizabeth - AJ and others Also thanks Mickey for greeting us at the finish
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Post by philjolliff on May 18, 2009 10:00:21 GMT -5
Fun race. No complaints. Running it the day after a 50-miler bike I really had no expectations other than to just run it and have a good time. Thanks to Reddy for running with me a bit around mile 10 - it really helped me keep my pace up. My legs completely shut down at mile 8 so it was a fight to the finish. Walsh = my hero. PBR post race was great. It was nice hanging out with everyone afterwards at the CTC tent.
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Post by Aussie Rob on May 18, 2009 11:14:04 GMT -5
Elizabeth, you rocked it yesterday. Looked super smooth as you chicked me at mile 11.5.
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Post by Charlie on May 18, 2009 14:53:00 GMT -5
I ran the full. I loved the new course. The 6 or 7 miles on St Clair, Detroit, and the marginal near burke are always a little gloomy. But this is a big part of Cleveland. The crowd support in both of these sections was inspiring. Lakewood was amazing in this regard. It really seemed like the city was into it. I haven't felt that in a few years. Thanks to Mickey, Matt, Jim, and AJ. Congrats to all. It was a perfect day to take in 26.2 miles of Cleveland on foot. I enjoyed the whole day.
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Post by Aussie Rob on May 18, 2009 15:16:29 GMT -5
Nice one Mr.Eleven.
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Post by Charlie on May 18, 2009 17:17:11 GMT -5
Sorry about the add. I didn't know it came with one.
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Post by MarkD on May 18, 2009 18:09:03 GMT -5
Nice work Chaz - did anyone else to the whole thing... the big dog... the 26.2 ??
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Post by jimdehner on May 19, 2009 9:58:17 GMT -5
Mark - i did the mary - ran with charlie a bit - he kept passing me and then darting into the bushes? go figure
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Post by Charlie on May 19, 2009 10:52:03 GMT -5
Well hydrated
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Post by ajbaucco on May 20, 2009 13:19:30 GMT -5
Congrats to everyone that raced last Sunday.... Way to represent the triathlon community! I thought we all did pretty d**n well. Congrats to Durno, Aussie, Charlie, and everyone on the Fleet Feet/Bike Authority Team for rocking it out there. It was nice to see everyone racing hard so early in the season.
Also, I would like to note that the kid who finished third in the half marathon (feel free to look him up) was a HUGE HUGE HUGE prick and if I ever see him again (anywhere) I am going to tell him so. Maybe he doesn't understand that we are all in this together and just because he didn't have the race of his dreams, doesn't mean he needs to put everyone down in his interview with the press. Next time, the press should go interview someone who has something positive to say... not some prick kid who has his panties in a bunch. piss off.
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Des
Olympic Member
Posts: 87
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Post by Des on May 21, 2009 13:53:23 GMT -5
I did the half and really enjoyed the morning. Probably for the first time felt what it was like to run well.......lol only because I had a long wait in the que for the loo and then was able to pass loads of people afterwards.....was devastated watching the hordes of people pass by as I stood and waited, but at the same time amused by how angry people were getting waiting in the que........its not as if people were reading a book in the portie potties or that they WANTED to be in there and unfortunately we are not all as focused as Paula Ratcliffe news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/4454315.stm Dont eat garlic pasta too late the night before, and dont believe a restuarant when they promise the wait wont be long.
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